Tomorrow in your life
By Mallory Quinn
Chapter 31
"The wedding of the century"
Terry was still in the bedroom with Candy and Serena. After the movie, Terry stood up, then he bend on one knee in front of the bed. He took a little box in a drawer on the night table.
- Candy White Andrew… Will you marry me?
She looked at him with so much love…
- Yes, Terry I want to be your wife…
He put the ring on her finger and hugged her.
- Terry, I still had the one from the first time….
- That one didn't bring us luck… that's why I want to do what I promised you the day we separated, I want to get married right away…
- Terry, everything is fine…
- Excuse-me if I don't want to take any chances… the last time…
- Ok, honey, you're right… when do you want to get married?
- In a few days…you choose the day…
- Ok, I'll tell Annie about it and we'll set a date
- Thanks honey. We're going to be a family
- With Serena said Candy tickling the little girl who was laughing out loud
Terry looked at Candy and Serena. Was Susanna telling the truth? Did he really lost all that time far away from Candy for nothing? Candy took Serena to her nanny , then she went back to her room. She saw Terry's worried expression.
- Honey, are you ok? She asked
- Candy, when I told Susanna that I was leaving her, and that I was taking Serena with me, she told me that she wasn't my daughter…
- WHAT! And you believed her?
- I don't know, Candy. To believe her would mean that we separated for nothing….
- Oh my God!
All that suffering was for nothing?
- But you took Serena anyway…
- Yes, if Susanna is capable of using her own daughter as a pawn to trap me, when I wasn't even the father… No, I didn't want to leave her with Susanna's coldness and indifference, whether she's my daughter or not, I'm keeping her….
- Terry, I proud of you… but I don't want to think about the fact that we separated and sacrificed ourselves maybe for nothing…
- Me neither…
- Let's not think about it anymore. Let's turn to the future… with Serena and her future little brother or little sister….
- Thank you again, Freckles for your sacrifice, for waiting for me…
- Terry, I would've waited for you till the end of times…
- Oh Candy! I'm so lucky to have a woman like you in my life! He said hugging her…
Eleonor Baker who was in Chicago for a TV show, called Terry on his cell phone.
- Terry? Where are you? You sound awake…
- I'm in Chicago, mum
- At Candy's?
- Yes…
- Thanks for telling me….
- Mum, you weren't there… can you join us for breakfast?
- Ok, give me the address
A few moments later, Eleonor Baker was eating breakfast with Candy, Terry, Serena and the nanny. Eleonor was shocked to hear about Susanna's story.
- How could you have made such a deal without telling me about it? That's preposterous! Ridiculous! You should've come to me, I would've fixed it!
- Mum, I didn't want to put you in the middle of this, said Terry
- You mean you didn't want to be called a "mama's boy"… Candy to sacrifice yourself that way… you guys are way too good!
- Now, everything is fine, we're getting married…said Terry
- When?
- In a few days…said Terry
- What's the rush?
- We can't wait anymore… we've lost enough time… said Terry
- Yeah right! And I'm the Queen of England! I haven't just fallen from the sky… Candy must have a bun in the oven, that's why you're rushing…
- Mum, you're as subtle as the iceberg that hit the Titanic… We can't hide anything from you!
They burst out laughing. They spent the day together. Candy had the day off. They were in the living room talking. Terry was playing with his daughter. Even with his busy schedule, he made sure he played with her everyday.
- Daddy, can you sing the genie song for me again? She Asked…
- Again? Said Terry faking indignation
- Please, pretty please, said Serena
- How could I resist my little princess? Said Terry
Terry started to sing the genie song; "A friend like me" from the movie Aladdin. He was making all the gestures he could. Serena was laughing out loud. Candy took her camcorder and started to film them… Terry was very funny with his daughter.
In the evening they all went to the Cranes for diner. Serena was happy to see little children like her. Melissa asked Eleonor to be on her new TV show and Terry talked to Philippe, man to man in the library.
- So Terry… you're going to make my daughter an honest woman, finally…
- Yes, sir, said Terry
- I heard about the little party in the Limo…
Terry blushed a little.
- Euh…
- I assumed you were too much in a hurry to go to a motel…and you got lucky…my daughter is way too nice; I would've made you sweat a little…
- Philippe, said Terry a little ashamed
- Well everything is fine, you're marrying her and I hope you won't hurt her anymore…
- I won't sir. I promise you.
- Good…
Candy came to see how the guys were doing. She saw Terry's expression.
- Is everything ok she asked?
- Yes, honey, said Philippe, we're done.
- Good… said Candy, Terry are you ok?
- I'm fine, Freckles said Terry
- Dad, said Candy, mom is looking for you…
- Ok, said Philippe, see you later…
Philippe left the room and Terry talked to Candy.
- Did you have to tell your parents about the Limo night? Asked Terry
- I'm sorry honey, it just came into the conversation… I was sick in the bathroom and my mother saw me…
- That's ok, but your father made me blush a little
- He teased you? He's just a little jealous for not thinking about it first… said Candy
- You think?
- Yes….
- Who else knows about this?
- Annie…and she's green with envy, believe me…
- Oh my God!
- I was so happy after our Limo night that she bugged me so much and I told her… I needed to confide in someone and share my happiness. I'm sorry, Terry, I didn't know it would make you so uncomfortable…
- Just a little…
- You're so cute, said Candy laughing
She kissed him on the lips.
Everything was settle, the wedding was fixed for the following Saturday and everything had to be prepared. Not a word to the press, otherwise, they were going to haunt them day and night. Candy called Annie to help her with the wedding planning.
- Oh honey, said Annie, you won't move the little, finger, this is my favorite hobby…
- Don't forget, the press must not know anything…
But the press always end up knowing. Terry and his mothers, both Oscar winners, always had a reporter following them. Every night, everybody was having fun listening to the speculations the reporters were making on TV about Candy and Terry's wedding and their relationship. Melissa, of course had the exclusivity for her daughter's wedding. The wedding of Candice and Terrence, happen in her parents' garden. The whole adoptive and biological family was there and a few friends… which total to 300 people at least!
Candy invited her grandmother, the senator Grant to attempt a reconciliation with her mother. Philippe knew, but Melissa didn't know anything. Ever since Melissa was living in the USA with her family, the reporters had Senator Grant on their list and they were sometimes asking her questions. She would say that she was very proud of her daughter and grand-daughter and very happy for them, like a good politician. She arrived while Candy was getting ready with Annie, Patty and Melissa. There was a knock on the door.
- If it's not Terry, come in! Said Melissa laughing
She turned around and her smile, faded right away.
- Mom!
- Melissandre…
Annie and Patty left the room quietly.
- What are you doing here?
- I invited her, mom, said Candy
- What? How could you do that after everything she did to us?
- But we have to forgive, mom said Candy, please, do it for me… it's been more than 20 years and you found me…
Melissa remained silent for a while. The pain, the suffering, le verbal abuse… but it was like being in labour, the pain disappears as soon as the baby is out… and she had found her baby whom she thought had died and the pain was gone… the bible says, that we have to forgive…
- Candy… ok… for you, I'm going to hear her out. Go ahead mom, I'm listening…
- Melissandre, said Verna, I've missed you so much… I know, I was a severe mother, but it was to protect you from the bad things in life… and I failed you… you got pregnant at 15… I should've been more compassionate with you, but my pride… and my career came first. I'm asking you to forgive me, for lying to you, forgive me for calling the so called death of your baby, a blessing in disguise, forgive me for telling you, you had a stillborn son, when you had a healthy little girl, forgive me for keeping you away from your baby…
Melissandre had tears in her eyes. This thing with her mother was the only black cloud in her life. Her baby wasn't dead… so why hold all that grudge?
- I kept my eye on you during all those years. I saw that you've made it in life, that you married the father of your baby…I should've told him the truth… and what you hear on TV is the truth, I'm very proud of you. Forgive me for not telling you the truth when you came to see me a few years ago, forgive for everything.
Verna Grand apologizing, she swallowed her pride; it must have been difficult for her. Melissandre looked at her mother; she loved her so much, but… Candy was right; she had to forgive, holding a grudge doesn't lead anywhere.
- Mom, said Melissandre after a big silence, I'm asking you to forgive me for lying to you, for yelling at you and saying all those things…
Verna approached her daughter and she hugged her.
- I love you Melissandre
- I love you mom…
Candy was crying of joy, so were her mother and grandmother. Melissandre approached Candy with her mother.
- Mom, this is your granddaughter Candice, we call her Candy… Candy this is your grandmother, Senator Verna Grant
- Pleased to meet you grandma, said Candy
- Pleased to meet you, Candy, said Verna hugging her and forgive me and thank you for everything…
- You're welcome, grandma. Let's live in peace from now on…
Philippe came in at that moment and said;
- Three generation of Grant women…
- Soon there will be four, said Candy laughing…
- What? I'm going to be a great grandmother? Oh….said Verna
- Easy mom, everything is going to be fine. Come and meet your other grandkids… and Philippe's parents…
- Looks like, I have more apologies to make…
- It's for a new start, mom. Let's go…
She got out of the room with her mother. Philippe stayed with Candy.
- Oh daddy, it's wonderful!
- It's because of you, you've reunite us all
Annie and Patty came back to finish getting Candy ready.
Terry was impeccable in his black tuxedo and his white shirt. His mother walked him to the altar. Candy walked to the altar with her two fathers, Albert and Philippe. She was wearing a chiffon dress with no strap with a big skirt with a flounce on one side with a shiny embroidering an original model by Annie Brighton Cornwell. The veil was long and Cassandra and Andrew were holding it behind Candy. Serena was the flower girl, despite her young age, she was able to walk in front of all those people and dropping the petals; it was a game for her. Carissa was helping her. James was the ring bearer. The maids of honour; Terry's twin sisters; Rose Anna and Anna Rose, Annie, Patty, Tammy and Tanisha and their husbands, Archie, Ali, Jamal, Junior Terry's brother, Jeremy Tammy's brother, and…Neil!
At the time of the vows, Terry said these words;
- My life didn't have any sense until I met you. I loved you from the second I laid my eyes on you. I'd lost you, and now I found you again, and I will never let you go again. All my life I was following my dream, and I realized that dream, only to find out that it was you from the beginning, you were my dream, you are my dream, without you I'm nothing, you're my other half and I'm wondering how I could've lived without your during all those years. I love you and I will spend the rest of my life showing it to you.
And Candy's vows;
- From the moment I saw you, you touched me. My life was a turmoil of sadness and you chased it away for good. You gave me the will to live, the will to live with you and with all the joy you brought into my life and I will be forever grateful to you for that. Yes, we got lost, but it was only to find out how much we needed each other and to better found each other and to never get separated again. You are my dream and today we are accomplishing it together by united ourselves for life. I love you and I'm going to spend the rest of my life saying it to you.
All the women in the assembly had tears in their eyes, starting with the bride. The bride and groom opened the dance floor with the song "All my life" by KC and Jojo.
During the reception, Eleonor was talking to Richard. They were sitting in the front as the groom's parents, but they hadn't spoken to each other.
- Eleonor, congratulations for your son
- Congratulations for your son too, she said softly, How are you? Are you happy?
- I wanted to be with you…
- Richard, that's in the past. You've got beautiful children; I've met your daughters
- Yes, I saw you on the telly at the Oscars… thanks for being so nice to them. They can't stop singing your praises
- Terry always talked about them with a lot of love…
Richard's wife arrived.
- This is my wife, said Richard, honey, this is…
- Eleonor Baker, the Oscar winner and Terry's mum. I'm pleased to meet you
- Pleased to meet you. Thanks for taking my son in
- I have to admit I was hostile with him in the beginning, but I ended up loving him too… I'm just so sorry that it took me so long. But you've been nice to my daughters right away, from the first minute. Thank you.
- It was a pleasure, they are very charming…Richard, are you going to forgive Terry is wanting to be an actor?
- I still can't believe that even without you raising him and living so far away, he wanted to become an actor like you. He definitely inherited your genes. But I can't continue holding a grudge against him for being an excellent actor, an Oscar, a BAFTA and then some! No, the business is always going to be there, Junior is taking care of it. I'm letting Terry do whatever he wants. I'm even going to invest in his next movie. Show business is a very profitable…
- You're telling me? Said Eleonor smiling
- Don't worry; I'm leaving our son alone…
- Thank God! Said Terry who had just arrived. Thanks dad he said hugging him
Candy was talking to her friends, when she saw a face from the past.
- Elizabeth Barrington?
- Candy, hi… she said nicely, congratulations
- Thanks…
- You're asking yourself, why I'm so nice?
- Kind of…
- I hit rock bottom with my drug problem, I almost died… I finally got the force and the will to do something about it and I checked myself into a rehab center… a lot of my friends became HIV positive… and I was lucky to have been spared. I cried of joy when I heard the results and I decided to change. I'm a counselor in youth centre in London and Junior was nice enough to invite me to your wedding. I now know that Terry really loves you and I'm sorry for all the mean things I've said and done to you….
- I forgive you Lizzie, and I' very happy for you, said Candy
- Lizzie, said Terry who had just arrived
- Terry, congratulations…said Lizzie
- Thanks you seem… different, said Terry
- That's because I am. Like I was telling Candy…
They continued talking for a while. Lizzie went to the washroom and she heard some noise in one of the bedroom. She opened the door and she saw Eliza who was getting dressed quickly with a well known actor.
- Eliza….
- Lizzie! Oh I'm so happy to see you! She said jumping to her neck
The actor got out quietly.
- Eww! Eliza, you've just threw out the window any fantasies I might have had about that actor…
- And how do you think I feel… it wasn't all that! Said Eliza
- Eliza, aren't you married?
- Yes, but….
- There is no "But". You have to stay faithful to your husband. Life is too short… you can get an incurable disease, with your one hour encounters!
- Hey, you were doing that too! You're one to talk!
- That's why I'm telling you. I know what it is… be careful Eliza, if you're not sick yet…
- Lizzie, you're scaring me, are you sick?
- No, but my other friends are! I've got another chance and I don't want to waste it
Eliza didn't say anything. No more good time? But, she looked at her friend and she could see the change in her. Maybe she should listen to her.
- Who died and made you Mother Teresa? Lizzie… ok, I'm going to listen to you she said with tired tone
- You should start by apologizing to Candy and Terry
- You've got to be kidding me!
- No. Apologize for all the mean things you've done and for hiding Terry's letter…
- Eliza, you're the one who hid Terry's letter? Said Candy's voice who was passing by and who'd heard Lizzie's last words to Eliza
- Candy…I…
- My God, you hate me that much? To prevent me from being reassured by the man I love… but I still waited for him…
- Candy, I'm sorry, it was childish and trivial, said Eliza…
- You can say that again! What are you doing in my parent's guests' room? Oh… Eliza…, said Candy
- Ok! Lizzie already lectured me, don't start! Said Eliza
- Well I hope you're going to listen to your friend, at least, said Candy getting out
Eliza listened to her best friend and Lizzie prayed that her words will have the desired effect on her friend.
The rest of the reception was fine; Candy's friends from the hospital were amazed to see so many celebrities in one day. The children from the Pony house were happy to be in such a big party with so much food and celebrities they used to see only on TV, starting with their boss' husband… Melissa and Philippe's family had made up.
The reporters tried in every shape and form to take pictures or to tape de ceremony, but in vain. They even had helicopters with cameras that were flying over them from time to time. But they on had far away pictures not very clear. Melissa will be able to sell clips of the weddings and the pictures to TV shows, TV channels and papers for a very good price. Candy and Terry decided that the money they will get from the pictures and the videos will go to the Pony house and others institutions of the same kind.
For the honeymoon they went to the Fiji Islands with the Andrew's personnel jet. Serena stayed with Melissa. It was the first time Terry was separated from Serene during a trip. He was a little worried.
- Honey, said Candy, are you ok? You're thinking about Serena?
- It's the first time I'm separated from her, said Terry
- You took her everywhere with you on movie sets?
- Yes, I had a nanny with me and I'll come and stay with her during breaks…
- You're a wonderful father…
- I can't wait to see Limo, said Terry touching her belly
- You're not embarrassed anymore?
- When there's only the two of us, it's fine, he said smiling
- Have you ever done it on a plane?
- Is that an invitation from you, my darling wife?
- After the Limo, the jet…
- We seem to like the most usual places… no, I've never done it in the air…he said kissing her
In the air…they had a lot of fun. The staff didn't bother them for hours, until they called them when they got hungry. The honeymoon was a perfect dream.
Albert bought a house in Chicago for Candy as a wedding present, with a big garden, it was better for the children. Terry took a sabbatical to spend some time with Candy and Serena. No movies, no work for at least a year and then he would only do one film per year to spend time with his family. Candy did the same thing, a year off plus her maternity leave to spend some times with her family. But she would sometime go to medical conference or volunteer at the local free clinic part time. Being a doctor, she can't stay out of work too long…Her pregnancy was going well. Her friends were pregnant at the same time, Annie, Patty, Tani, Rachel Albert's wife; it was a real baby boom! Annie had her baby first, it was a beautiful little girls she called Anyssa.
Candy and Terry went to the doctor's for Candy checkup. They wanted to know the sex of the baby. Candy was almost due to have the baby; they hadn't decided if they wanted to know the sex or not. This time, they had finally decided to know, two weeks before the due date. Candy was on the exam table for the ultrasound. Flammy was performing the ultrasound.
- So Candy, said Flammy, you want to know today or not?
- Yes, Flammy, this time we really want to know, said Candy
- Terry? Said Flammy
- Yes, I want to know, said Terry
- Ok, said Flammy putting the cold liquid on Candy's belly
Flammy started to look at the baby on the screen.
- So, Flammy, is it a boy or a girl?
- Candy your cervix is open; your baby is coming one of these mornings. You're sure you don't want to wait?
- Flammy! For once, we're sure; you want to talk us out of it? Said Candy
- But, you've waited this long…, said Flammy
- She's right, Juliet, said Terry, we can wait…
- Terry, don't start! Said Candy
- We can wait a few days, said Terry
- Or a few hours, said Candy
- Why a few hours? Asked Terry
- Because my water just broke… said Candy, Flammy…
- Don't move Candy, I'm coming said Flammy getting out of the room
- Terry…
- I'm here Freckles… Limo is full of surprises! I can't wait to see him…
- Him?
- I want a boy, Freckles…
Candy smiled. She was transferred to the maternity ward with Terry, she had her own room.
- Oh my God! Said Terry, I'm going to call your parents so they can bring the camera and the camcorder. I can't wait to see the little tike…
- It's not the first time for you, said Candy a little sad
- Candy, said Terry, it's my first time with you… it's the same thing…I love you Freckles…
- Oh Terry, I love you!
Candy gave birth to her little baby without any complications. Her parents had come with the camera and the camcorder that they gave to Terry. Philippe was in the waiting room, but Melissa wanted to be there for the birth of her first grandchild. Terry was with his Freckles, through the whole thing and he didn't leave her side. They gave the baby to Candy. Terry was sitting on the bed with her. Melissa had filmed the birth and she was also taking pictures.
- Candy, said Terry, it's a boy! I'm so happy! Thank you!
- You're very welcome, my love. Thanks to you. Did you think about a name?
- "Limo" for Limousine? He joked
- He's going to be embarrassed at school when they're going to ask him why he's name after a car…
- Because he was conceived in it?
- You're not going to tell him that…
- No… he said laughing, but joke aside, I thought of a name… and I hope you'll agree with me…
- Go ahead Romeo…
- Ok. To thank you for your sacrifice and for Serena, I said to myself if the baby was a boy, we could call him "Anthony"
- Anthony?
- Yes. You loved him a lot, Albert adopted you because of him and sent you to London and we met on the plane. It was the most beautiful day of my life…
Candy was crying of joy. She didn't know what to say…
- Terry… I love you so much…. She said crying
- I love you too, Freckles… he said kissing her
Melissa and Philippe got into the room.
- Mom, dad said Candy, let me introduce you to Anthony…
- Hey you! Said Melissa taking her grandson, you're so beautiful, I could eat you! Grandpa, look at your grandson, he's blond like you…
- Hello baby! Said Philippe smiling
Terry called his mother, Candy's friends and the rest of the family and a few hours later, Candy's room was full!
- Everybody, said Candy, this is Anthony…
- Anthony…, said Stear moved
- Thanks Candy, said Archibald, that's nice of you
- It was Terry's idea, said Candy
- Really? Said Archie moved, thank you Terry
- Yes, said Stear, thank you very much, I wanted to call my son Anthony too…
- Me too… said Archie
- Well we're going to give them numbers, mine is Anthony the 1st! Said Candy
Everybody burst out laughing. Patty and Tani were still pregnant. Candy and Terry's baby pictures were sold by Melissa and the money went to the Pony House and other institutions. Candy thought that maybe it was taking advantage of her baby, but the money went to help orphans.
Candy and Terry didn't let anything separate them again. Susanna came to see Serena from time to time and she didn't make any comment when she saw the harmony in which Candy and Terry were living. Terry really loved Candy; she knew it from the beginning. Because even when she drugged Terry to spend the night with him, he called her "Candy"… But she was happy that her daughter had a good loving family, she will grow up to be good, like Candy… Of course, she will never admit that out loud…. She thought the sacrifice she did to have Serena by trapping Terry was very big. To have another woman raising her daughter was a bonus for her, even if she'd lost Terry…
Candy and her friends stayed closed, and they raised their kids together in loved and harmony. Serena was calling her "mommy" and Candy was happy. Serena was very happy to have a little brother.
Candy thought about the suffering during her separation from Terry, and about all the happiness she had now. What goes around comes around. She had been rewarded for her kindness and generosity… she had the man she loved, her family and she was the happiest woman on the planet.
THE END